This is the number that lies between 68 and 70. It is not a square or prime number. In 69 AD, Vesuvius erupted. In 1969 AD, nothing of any lasting significance happened. (Except that Ian's parents got married. Good thing they did really, or Ian wouldn't exist, and so neither would this writing, so you would be staring at a blank space on the page and feeling rather foolish). The number 69 looks the same turned upside-down as it does the right way up. It is easily confused with 96, especially by stupid people.